Short Inca Trail - 2 day trek To Machu Picchu

2 Days & 1 Night / starting from US $630 per person

 Trek 

Empower your Adventure through out the 2 days Inca Trail journey.

The 2-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, also known as the Short Inca Trail, is a fascinating route that combines the scenic side of nature and mountains with the historical side of its archeological monuments. The Short Inca Trail joins the Classic 4-day Inca Trail after three hours of hiking uphill to Wiñayhuayna camp at 2,650 m / 8,694 ft. Everyone who does this hike gets to Machu Picchu by passing through the Sun Gate; same as the 5-day Inca Trail, you will have a double chance to visit Machu Picchu.

Experience this exceptional journey! The 2-day Inca Trail trek will take you to Peru’s most enigmatic and world-famous site. The lost citadel of the Incas, Machu Picchu. This route goes through the Vilcanota Valley on an original Inca Path leading to some of the breathtaking archeological monuments that are part of the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu; be part of an unforgettable experience hiking around the mountains surrounded by exuberant subtropical vegetation and get to Machu Picchu just like Incas did, entering through Inti Punku, the Sun Gate. Witness the sunset in the enigmatic city of Machu Picchu after a 6-hour hike on day one. This trekking experience will connect you to the deepest side of the Andean Culture. 

Short Inca Trail Tickets Availability 2024

Keep in mind that permits for the Short Inca Trail 2 days are limited and often sell out several months in advance, especially to book for the peak tourist season (May to October). It’s advisable to plan and book your trek well in advance to secure a spot for your preferred dates.

To check availability and make reservations for the short Inca Trail in 2024. Contact us! We specialize in organizing treks and tours to Machu Picchu. We will provide you with the most up-to-date information regarding availability, permits, and reservations for the 2 days Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

Trip Details

2 days Inca Trail Highlights

  • The train ride through the Valley.
  • Chachabamba archeological site.
  • Hiking along the Vilcanota Valley.
  • Wiñayhuayna is the best archeological site on Inca Trail.
  • The view of Machu Picchu from Sun Gate.
  • A 3* hotel overnight at Aguas Calientes town.
  • Machu Picchu sunrise if the weather allows.
from

$630.00

Route Map

Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 Days hike

Get the chance to see the sunset at Machu Picchu Citadel

The two days Inca trail to Machu Picchu will take you up in the mountains, along the Vilcanota valley exploring ancient Inca sites, join the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Hear the stories of the Incan culture and discover Machu Picchu, ¨The lost Inca city¨. Don't miss the chance to explore and live a life time experience with Kuntur Peru Travel.

Trip Overview

2 days Inca Trail overview

The Short Inca trail two days is an extraordinary hiking experience that leads to Machu Picchu Citadel, an outdoor activity that combines the train ride through Vilcanota Valley, hikes in the mountains, as well as exploration at the archeological remains, spending a night in 3* hotel at Aguas Calientes town; two days of adventure that will take you to the deepest side in the history of the Incas.

Travelers who don’t get permits to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu often look for alternative options; the Ancascocha trek to Machu Picchu and the Inca Quarry trek to Machu Picchu are some of the best options to explore.

A glimpse of our Itinerary

Day 1 Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Train to Chachabamba – Aguas Calientes town.

Embark on our private transport from Cusco City or the Sacred Valley toward Ollantaytambo train station to board the train to Chachabamba at km 104, from where the adventure will begin, 6 hours of hike and 12 km of distance to Machu Picchu citadel, overnight at a 3 * hotel in town.

Day 2  Machu Picchu Guided tour – Train back to Cusco City.

Enjoy the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu, a unique and enigmatic experience for 2+ hours guided, with first-hand information, accompanied by your private trekking guide, after all get back to Cusco city by train.

All our outdoor activities, as well as the 2 Days Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, are aimed to provide a unique and authentic experience from the beginning to the end of the trip, guaranteeing all the safety and professionalism in all our Adventures.

What to expect

  • Early pick-up from Hotel Cusco City
  • Two hours drive from Cusco City
  • Expedition train service to Chachabamba, Km 104, the trailhead
  • Six hours hike average on day 1
  • Three bus tickets total for the service
  • Accommodation at Aguas Calientes town 3* hotel room
  • Private guided tour with your trekking guide.
  • Snacks, Box lunch, and dinner on day one.
  • Train ticket from Machu Picchu to Cusco
  • Private transportation to your hotel Cusco or Sacred Valley

Short Inca Trail Difficulty

The Short Inca trail 2 days is rated as a moderate to demanding activity. Considering the altitudes, distance, and length of walking it is considered 5th summit strenuous difficulty, it is suggested to acclimatize at least two days before the trekking. The two-day Inca Trail can be done year-round except in February because of yearly trail maintenance and heavy rain season. However, you will have a better experience during the dry season. (March – November)

Why you should go with us

  • Kuntur Peru Travel is a fully locally owned tour operator and certified travel company with all licenses to operate Inca trail tours and alternative treks.
  • Experience is the key! Long tracking record tour guides, graduated from the university and recognized institutes of Cusco city.
  • We deliver our tour services with safety standards, ethics, and responsibility; we rely on the opinion of our travelers.
  • Book and travel! Your trip is confirmed once booking the tour service; we don’t transfer the service to other tour groups. So that you book with us, you go with us.
  • Quality of services is our personal motto, so we provide both as small groups, no more than 8 pp. and private tour services.
  • No hidden charges! You pay the cost of your trip with all services included as mentioned in the itineraries.
  • Tailor-made tours and customizable experiences to the needs of our travelers.
  • Our guides are natives of Cusco city, fluent English speaking, friendly, and great storytellers.
  • Our management center is located in Cusco city. Therefore, we have everything in control nearby.

Itinerary

As an official and accredited tour operator, we ensure that our adventurers have an authentic experience throughout their journey; we are experts in hiking adventures and knowledgeable of the numerous routes our region offers, for which the itineraries we create are with the correct and accurate information. The distances and timings mentioned in the itinerary are based on the experiences of average hikers in favorable conditions. However, this may vary depending on the physical preparation, health, age, weather conditions during the hike, and the number of participants in the group; in case you chose the Short Inca trail with camping option, the lunch and camping locations are pre-set and designated by the culture ministry of the region, those cant be modified.

Day 1 Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Chachabamba – Machu Picchu town.

Our epic 2 Days Inca Trail to Machu Picchu begins with an early pick-up from your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, we will drive towards Ollantaytambo train station to board the train bound Chachabamba (Km 104) at 2,150 m / 7,053 ft. You will begin the adventure once we pass the checkpoint showing the entrance tickets and passports. First, explore the Chachabamba Inca site made up of enclosures and stone altars. Inca sites were built primarily for both military and religious purposes. Our expert guide will give you detailed information about Chachabamba and incredible Andean culture stories.

After touring the Chachabamba, the path begins on a gradual uphill surrounding the mountain for about 3 hours to Winayhuayna ruins at 2,650 m / 8,694 ft. Arguably this is the most astounding site along the classic Inca Trail. After a guided tour, enjoy your lunch at the campsite near the Wiñayhuayna Inca site.

In the afternoon, it takes about 1.5 hours hiking to Inti Punku (The Sun gate) where you will have the first panoramic view of Machu Picchu citadel from a long distance; this is undoubtedly the highlight of our Short Inca Trail Journey. After contemplating the views of the citadel, we will continue on for 40 more minutes to the exit the citadel to take the bus down to Aguas Calientes town. Our Short Inca Trail program includes bus tickets and an overnight stay at a 3* hotel lodging.

  • iconos de aventura
    Meals Included
    Box Lunch & Dinner.

  • Hiking Distance
    12 km / 7.46 miles.

  • Difficulty
    Dod – Demanding

  • Hike Duration
    6 hrs. approx.

  • Highest elevation
    2,650 m / 8,692 ft.

  • lodging
    3* hotel 
 

Day 2 Machu Picchu guided tour – Train back to Cusco City

Today will be exclusively dedicated to unlocking the mysteries of one of Peru’s most emblematic sites, Machu Picchu citadel. Get first-hand information from someone who has visited Machu Picchu hundreds of times. Machu Picchu is not a simple citadel, but a whole complex full of stories, mysteries, and enigmas. To us, it is the heart of all our adventures.

For today, your trekking guide will pick you up early from the hotel, and together you will take the 25 minutes bus ride up to the citadel; please note it is crucial to carry your passport, as it must be shown before you enter the citadel, once you are ready your guide will take you upwards the lookout point to get the panoramic views of Machu Picchu citadel with the enclosures, Huaynapicchu mountain, you will see the entire site surrounded by Vilcanota river, if you go in the early mornings, you will witness seeing the mist rises as the sun’s rays hit the cold and wet environment a unique phenomenon that can only be seen in the mornings, once you have done taking your amazing photos, your guide will start with a background introduction, and a two-plus hours guided tour, within the citadel exploring the residences, enclosures, temples, altars, and more. After the tour, take the bus down to Aguas Calientes town, where you will have enough time for lunch. In the afternoon, board the expedition train service back to Ollantaytambo town then, carry on in our private transport back to your hotel in Cusco City.

  • iconos de aventura
    Meals Included
    Breakfast.
  • iconos de trekking
    Difficulty
    Easy.

  • Tour Duration 
    2+ hrs Guided.

  • Activity
    Site Exploration.

  • Transportation
    Train / Private Bus.

  • Accommodation
    Hotel in Cusco.

Including

Short Inca trail Includes

  • Pick up from the hotel
  • English-speaking local Tour Guide.
  • Private Transportation to Ollantaytambo station.
  • Expedition train service to km 104, the trailhead.
  • Inca Trail entrance tickets.
  • Rain Poncho if trekking during the rainy season.
  • Box Lunch to carry.
  • Extra water bottle for the trek.
  • Snacks consist of a pack of fruit, and cookies.
  • Meals as mentioned in the itinerary.
  • First Aid Kit.
  • Small oxygen bottle.
  • Bus ticket to Aguas Calientes town on day 1
  • 3* hotel accommodation at Machu Picchu town.
  • Dinner at Aguas Calientes town.
  • Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
  • Round trip bus ticket to Machu Picchu citadel on day 2.
  • Expedition train service back to Ollantaytambo station.
  • Private transport from Ollantaytambo to Cusco or Sacred Valley

The trek does not include

  • Trekking poles 
  • Huayna Picchu Mountain ticket
  • Machu Picchu Mountain ticket
  • Lunch & dinner on day 2.
  • Any personal expenses.
  • Gratitudes

Pricing

 

$630.00 per person Price based on 7+ people in the group

  • Price for 7-8 trekkers: 630 USD per person
  • Price for 5-6 trekkers: 680 USD per person
  • Price for 3-4 trekkers: 730 USD per person
  • Price for 2 trekkers: 780.00 USD per person

Discounts

Students have benefits traveling in Peru! Museums, tourist tickets, archaeological sites, Machu Picchu, Inca Trail, and more. Get discounts by presenting your International Student Identity Card (ISIC); students under the age of 17 and children do not need the ISIC. To apply for a discount, email us with a copy of the ISIC and passport at the time of booking for a trek or tour to info@kunturperu.com

We will be glad to help you.

  • Student discount (only with active green ISIC card): US$ 25.00
  • Students from 12 to 17 years. US$ 30.00 Discount
  • Children from 5 to 12 years. US$ 30.00 Discount

Rentals

  • Set of pro trekking poles – US$10.00
  • Sleeping bag – US$15.00 Camping option Only
  • Inflatable mattress  – US$ 15.00 Camping option Only
  • Single Tent – US$50.00 Camping option Only
  • Foam mattress – included in the tour service  Camping option Only

Upgrades

The Machu Picchu and Huaynapicchu mountains are additional hikes within the Machu Picchu citadel; these admission tickets are subject to availability since they are usually sold out quickly.

  • Huaynapicchu Mt. entrance fee: USD 75.00 extra per person.
  • Machu Picchu Mt. entrance fee: USD 75.00 extra per person.
  • Vistadome Train service (one-way trip): USD 75.00 additional per person
  • 4 Stars Hotel at Macchu Picchu town: USD 70.00 additional per person
  • Cusco City tour: USD 150 per group (2 – 6), if booked together with this tour
  • Sacred Valley tour: USD 240 per group (2 – 6), if booked together with this tour

Groups booking

We reward your preference! More details will be available if you are interested in taking advantage of this offer, such as walking tours in Cusco City, discounts on items for camping activities, and personal discounts. Contact us at info@kunturperu.com

GO ON GROUP SERVICE:

From USD 600.00 per person. 8+ up to 12 participants in the group. Please note booking in advance.

Trip Info

Weather on trek
Hiking through the Short Inca Trail for 2 days is a very high-altitude activity, therefore, the weather may be cold and unpredictable. The nights on this trek are usually around 14 F. / -10 C. In the early mornings of the dry season, during the day, it can get quite warm if the sun is out, anywhere from 60-75F/15-24C. Keep in mind that if the weather is rainy or cloudy, it will be windy and colder, and it may change instantaneously, particularly when going up at the high-altitude passes; as with any high-altitude hike, you should bring plenty of layers to adjust to the fluctuating temperatures and conditions as well as appropriate sun/rain protection.

Pre-departure notes

It is highly recommended to spend at least two days before any trekking activity acclimating to the altitude in the Andes; drinking enough water and avoiding heavy meals also help you to adapt quickly to the environment. Cusco is an Andean city located at 3,399 m. / 11,151 ft. We suggest doing short day tours in and around the city.

It is imperative to attend the pre-trek briefing a day before the scheduled date of the trip, usually set at 17:00 hrs. See the itinerary instructions section of the tour and its details. For additional information, speak directly to your trekking guide.

Note on Itinerary

The current itinerary described accurately expresses the trekking activities we offer. However, please, notice that due to some circumstances occasionally turn beyond our control, such as natural disasters, weather conditions, strikes, and others that may force us to deviate from our original plan, in which case, we will provide you with the best alternative option available, so then you won’t miss the wonderful experience.

Note on Price

Please note. All our trekking tours, and the Inca trail tours, include a duffle bag, which means you can take additional clothing with your sleeping bag and mattress for the trek; these must be 7 kg/14 pounds max weight.

All Inca trail trekking tours are run with a pack of a trekking team (our porters), who are appointed to carry all camping equipment during the hike; the number of porters in the group is according to the number of travelers booked for the tour; for more details see Inca Trail FAQs.

Camping accommodation on the trek is based on double occupancy per tent.

Accommodation in towns is at 3* hotels; Twin-bed room (matrimonial if requested), triple occupancy in case of families or friends; the single rooms are subject to a single supplement fee.

Trip Payment Schedule
At the time of booking, you must be paid 30% of the total cost of the tour; this will allow us to make the corresponding reservation and purchase some tickets that may be sold out rapidly. A month before the departure date, the balance must be paid or upon your arrival in Cusco city, the 70% left of the final balance must be paid fully.

Cancellation and Transfer Fee Schedule

  • Minimum fee (hike permit fee): $130 per person
  • 61-90 days prior departure: 30% of trip cost
  • 46-60 days prior departure: 50% of trip cost
  • 45 days or less: 100% of trip cost.

Gratuities for the trekking crew

One of the greatest ways to express your gratitude to your trekking crew for everything they do to help you to make your adventure trip is by tipping. This is a tradition of years since the beginning of the tourism industry in our region, a personal appreciation based on the team’s effort during your adventure experience. Giving gratuities might not be customary in your country, however, it’s of the utmost importance to those who will be taking care of you during the trip. Tipping inspires excellent service and is an ingrained feature in the tourism industry on many Kuntur Peru Travel destinations. Of course, you are free to tip as much as you wish, depending on your perception of the quality and length of your trip. Remember, tipping is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

Usually, participants in a group gather the tipping money for the guides, porters, and cooks; you can either do it individually, or your trekking guide will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Tipping your tour guide is more personal and should be decided based on your relationship, quality, and length of service with them and is done separately from the group or could be done individually, this generally happens once you end the tour at Machu Picchu Citadel or Machu Picchu town.

Porters: Each porter $20 – $40 USD or the equivalent in Soles (from all the group or participants)

Trekking Chef: $35 – $70 USD or the equivalent in Soles (from all groups or participants)

Trekking guide: The amount is an entirely more personal preference, however, as a guideline, $40 -80 USD per person can be used.

Faqs

Booking

 

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Personal Details

Trip Details

Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 Days hike
14 years and above
Below 14 years
6 + 5 =

Remember |  One of our Travel Experts will contact you soon to confirm the availability of the trip you chose, give you more information, and/or provide you alternative options. Once availability is established, we will ask for a deposit and a completed online registration to confirm your spot on the trek. Please call us at (+51) 956 016 355 with any questions or to confirm availability over the phone.

Payment methods

Full Terms and Conditions please see the policy
please see the policy linked at the bottom of our website in the footer. It is also available to read during the checkout

REASONS TO HIKE THE SHORT INCA TRAIL

  • Come across and feel safe exploring the 2 days Short Inca to Machu Picchu with us with suitable camping gear and experienced trekking guides.
  • The Short Inca Trail along with the Classic Inca Trail are considered among the top ten treks recognized worldwide.
  • Enjoy the natural and scenic beauty of the inter-Andean valleys and highland landscapes.
  • Immerse yourself in the history of the Incas interpreted by your expert tour guide, and explore the most unbelievable archeological sites throughout the trail.
  • The 2 Days Short Inca Trail service is a unique experience; ideally for adventurers and history lovers, a pathway with astounding views and landscapes, flawless for photography.
  • Full day hike in the Vilcanota Valley exploring enigmatic archeological Inca sites; stay a night in Aguas Calientes town previous your visit to Machu Picchu citadel.
  • Spot Andean wildlife in its natural habitat and diverse ecosystems. As well as Llamas and Alpacas wandering at Machu Picchu.

Short inca trail Checklist

The 2 days Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a journey that takes a full day hike and an exploration day at Machu Picchu citadel. Hikers typically take additional clothing and personal items to visit the citadel on day two, but the amount of clothing and items to take could vary according to everyone’s needs, for that here we show some essential items you need to take for the Short Inca Trail 2 days.

DAY PACK

For the Short Inca Trail hike, it is recommended to bring a 25L capacity hiking daypack at most to carry essential items for a day hike. On the other hand, it’s not allowed to enter Machu Picchu citadel with larger capacity backpacks; here we showcase a basic list of essential items you should carry for the 2-day Inca trail to Machu Picchu.

  • Valid Passport. Verify your passport won’t expire at the time of the trip.
  • Sunscreen, at least 35+ fps protection is recommended.
  • Sun hat.
  • Rain jacket.
  • Extra water bottle.
  • Insect repellant
  • Bandana
  • Sunglasses
  • Cameras and extra batteries.
  • Personal First Aid kid
  • Roll paper/ Toiletries
  • Personal Snacks
  • Power bank, in case batteries run out.
  • Trekking pole

DUFFEL BAG

It will be given to you at the pre-trek briefing a day before the departure. Please note that no more than 6 Kg / 13 pounds weight is allowed to be taken on the train, which means additional clothing should be for a day in Machu Picchu. The duffel bags will go on the train straight to your hotel in Machu Picchu. For the 2-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, we have a checklist of additional items you should bring.

  • Extra T-shirts
  • Trekking shirt
  • Swinging suit in case you go to the hot spring
  • At least 2 extra pairs of socks
  • Additional pants
  • Shorts
  • Warm jacket
  • Small personal towel
  • Dry bag
  • Sandals
  • Sweater or flees
  • Toiletries

Short Inca Trail Lodgin

Camping Equipment

Kuntur Peru guarantees comfort and safety in all our adventure trips, our camping equipment is suitable for hiking trips in the high Andean mountains.

Enjoy the nights in our exclusively designed camping gear along every route we offer, you will spend the night in spacious four-season camping tents for two people, branded camping gear such as Eureka, North Face, Black diamond, and others; our trekking poles are lightweight aluminum material, adjustable and suitable for hiking in the mountains, sleeping pads Therma Rest trek and travel series; each of our hikers get additionally a foam mattress and small pillow to enjoy the overnights in tent.

Have the ultimate adventure experience with Kuntur Peru Travel. Trek with us, and live the adventure now!

Hotels

All our adventure experiences, other than the 4 Days Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, have as our destination Aguas Calientes town, where you will spend one night prior to visiting Machu Picchu citadel, for which we have selected standard 3 * hotels for your stay, these are hotels of prestige and quality that guarantee us comfort and good service to all our adventurers. However, we are also willing to provide superior quality hotels, as long as our travelers request it.

  • 3* Inti Punku Machu Picchu hotels & suites: standard room with private bath.
  • 4*hatun inti boutique: suite room with private bath.
  • 5* Machu Picchu Pueblo by Inca Terra: Superior
  • 3*
  • 4*
  • 5* Tambo Del Inca Urubamba: Superior room with private bath.
  • 3*Maytaq Wasin Boutique Hotel
  • 3* Los Portales Hotel
  • 4* Casa Andina Private Collection
  • 5* Palacio del Inka by Libertador
  • 5* Monasterio Hotel by Belmond
  • 3*Pakarytampu Hotel
  • 4*Casa Andina Private Collection
  • 5* Tambo del Inka Luxury Collection
  • 5* Rio Sagrado by Belmond
  • 3* Prisma hotel: standard room with private bath.
  • 4* Jose Antonio Hotel: standard room with private bath.
  • 5*Palacio Del Inca, luxury collection Hotel: Superior room with Private bath.

REMARKS

WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE CITY TOUR

  • Pick up from your hotel
  • Meet our experienced local guides, English and Spanish speaking
  • Private transportation to all sites in and out of the Cusco city center.
  • Detailed guided tour in Qoricancha (the sun temple), about an hour of exploration.
  • Explore Sacsayhuaman, the megalithic constructions site
  • Guided tour at Qenqo, Pukapukara and Tambomachay.
  • 4 to 5 hours total tour, during which you’ll learn about the Origin and history of Incan culture.
  • Take advantage of taking photos at Inca sites, guides are also skillful at taking photos.
  • Door-to-door transportation service, unless you request drop-off at a specific point in the city.
  •  

RECOMMENDED TO BRING

  • Passport
  • Warm clothes. Cusco’s weather is cold and windy at evenings
  • Day pack / Tote bag
  • Camera
  • Sunscreen
  • Water bottle
  • Peruvian Soles in cash

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